The Compostable Collection
By Kristen Chiu
Composting is a microbial process in which organic waste is naturally recycled into fertilizer. This process constantly takes place in our natural environment and is an important tool for waste reduction. Organic matter such as food waste, plants, unbleached paper, and other biodegradable materials including raw and natural plant fabrics can be composted. These materials are combined with a source of microorganisms, water, and oxygen which create carbon dioxide and heat energy to break down matter and eventually form a finished nutrient rich compost soil that can be used to fertilize new plants.
The Compostable Collection was created for the NYU Gallatin Fashion Show in 2018. It features primarily compostable, recycled, and upcycled fabrics, embellishments, and found objects to reflect the transformational process of microbial composting. Each piece utilizes organic raw cotton muslin, which can be repurposed or composted as brown matter in large scale facilities. Recycled plastic embellishments emphasize the importance of both synthetic materials like polyester that include plastic, which does not biodegrade, and reducing plastic consumption to move toward a more zero waste system. The addition of these recycled materials and found objects are used to create dynamic textures and movement that exhibit the way recycling and composting can cultivate new life and objects.
Compostable Collection emphasizes the importance of sustainable materials and design following the life cycle of a caterpillar from chrysalis to butterfly. As the caterpillar is reborn into a butterfly, organic matter breathes new life into soil.
